Jack+T's+letter

May 2 nd, 1865

Dear Family,

I know you have heard about the Sultana ship wreck that happened recently. I’m pretty sure you know I was on it but if you didn’t I can assure you I am all right. I fractured my arm and lost a limb but I am fine now. I just wanted to let you know that I am alive so you won’t have to worry.

I’ve never experienced something as scary as that was. It all happened so quickly and the only thing that was going through my mind was am I going die or will I survive. When the ship exploded everyone screamed for their life and was going crazy. Then showers of red-hot coal and boiling steam shoot up in all directions. One piece of coal hit me in the thi and I lost my limb. People were pushing and shoving, someone almost pushed me over board but instead my arm smashed into the railing and that is how I fractured it. Passengers were hurled into the water. The boat did not carry any life jackets or life boats so many people died. The ship caught fire and the deck collapsed. I almost fell in the water and by now I could not swim because of all my injures so if I fell in I would be in trouble, but I hastily grabbed the railing and saved myself from falling. Just then I looked up ahead and I saw an island and the boat crashed right into it. I got off the boat before it fully sank. I went onto shore and laid down for a few minutes just thinking how I am going to get home. I thought of you too actually.

They are sending a boat out to get us. Once I am at the dock I will to go to a hospital and get looked at. From there I will go to a hotel and find out when the next train is coming in. I will take the next train that comes in. I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely, Robert Freeze

Dear Robert Freeze,

We all miss you. Are you okay? How is your limb and your arm? I hope you are okay and you will be able to come home soon? If you need any money for a surgery or a cast I will send some money.

Dont worry you are not going to die. What was it like to be in an explosion? Did anybody die? How many? Were you ever close from dying? I feel so bad. I need to know where you are right now. Witch hospital? How did the boilers with the red hot coals explode? Did you get burned is that how you lost your limb? I need you to know that we all care about you okay. And yes you will survive. I don't know you survived all of this. Are you sure you are okay. When you said you saw an island you said the boat crashed. How far away was the island from the live explosion? If you are still on that island I want you to stay there and I will come to you if you want me to. Are you the only one on the island alive? Or are you at a hospital?

Please Please Please!!! Answer my questions and Please Write back soon. I miss you and I hope you are okay!! Right back soon.

Love, your family